John Michael Nagel Sr., 63, Baltimore police officer

John Michael Nagel Sr., a retired Baltimore police officer who was active in the Knights of Columbus, died of complications from diabetes Thursday at his Dundalk home. He was 63.

Mr. Nagel, who was born and raised on Belt Street in South Baltimore, was a 1959 graduate of Southern High School and joined the city police force in 1962.

After graduating from the police academy, Mr. Nagel was assigned to the Southwestern District as a foot patrolman. He then was transferred to the Southeastern District, where he spent the rest of his career.

"He loved being a foot patrolman because he got to know everybody on his beat, and particularly liked working on Corned Beef Row," said his wife of 41 years, the former Geraldine A. Mayott.

For the last several years before his 1990 retirement, Mr. Nagel was a turnkey at Southeastern District. He then worked as a bailiff for Baltimore County District Court until 1999.

Mr. Nagel was a longtime member of Dundalk Council 2942 of the Knights of Columbus, and held numerous posts in the organization, including grand knight for the local council and district warden for Maryland.

Mr. Nagel enjoyed taking his family on extended camping trips during which he prepared elaborate meals outdoors.

A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 a.m. today at St. Rita's Roman Catholic Church, 2903 Dunleer Road in Dundalk, where Mr. Nagel was a longtime communicant.

Mr. Nagel also is survived by two sons, John M. Nagel Jr. of Fallston and David C. Nagel of Dundalk; three daughters, Suzanne M. Ulrich, Christine L. Borkowicz and Jennifer Nagel, all of Dundalk; a sister, Janice Colmus of Baltimore; and nine grandchildren. Another daughter, Jeannine M. Raivel, died last year.